Venue Location
The match will be held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, USA. This is the LA Galaxy’s home stadium, with a capacity of 27,000. The pitch is natural grass, and the venue is renowned for its energetic crowd during international fixtures.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM PT (11:30 PM ET / 9:30 PM MT / 4:30 AM UTC on February 26). Broadcast details include FS2, TUDN, ConcacafGO, and other regional platforms.
Weather Updates
- High temperature: 73–76°F (23–24°C)
- Evening kickoff temperature: Around 55–57°F (13–14°C)
- Conditions: Partly cloudy with a low chance of light rain (10–20%)
- Wind: 5–10 mph from the southwest
- Humidity: 60–70%
- Other details: Mild evening with no major weather issues anticipated; comfortable for play, though a slight breeze could affect long balls. UV index moderate (around 5 during the day).
Injury Report
- LA Galaxy: OUT: Riqui Puig (ACL tear, season-ending), Isaiah Parente (ankle), Chris Rindov (leg), Erik Thommy (knee), Edwin Cerrillo (suspension). The team will miss key midfield options, with Puig’s long-term absence a major blow. Depth players like Lucas Sanabria and Harbor Miller may see increased roles. No new injuries from the recent MLS draw.
- Sporting San Miguelito: No major injuries or suspensions reported. The squad is expected to be at full strength, with key players like Rodrigo Tello and Ángel Valencia available. Fatigue from a recent league win (1-0 vs. Alianza on Feb 12) could play a minor role.
Key
Player Matchups
With the aggregate tied 1-1 from the first leg (LA holding an away goal edge), expect LA to push for control at home while Sporting SM seeks to exploit counters. Key battles:
- Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy Forward) vs. Sporting SM Defense: Paintsil equalized in the first leg (68′) and brings speed (recent MLS shots on target). His dribbling will challenge defenders like Marlon Ávila and Sergio Ramírez, who limited LA’s shots but conceded late. Paintsil’s form (preseason goals) could open spaces.
- João Klauss (LA Galaxy Forward) vs. Sporting SM Center-Backs: Klauss debuted in the first leg and scored early in the MLS opener (1-1 vs. NYCFC). His physicality tests Omar Alba and Marlon Ávila, who headed in threats but struggled with LA’s 18 shots in Leg 1.
- Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy Midfielder/Forward) vs. Sporting SM Midfield: Pec led LA preseason scoring (3 goals) and assisted in the MLS draw. His creativity faces Héctor Hurtado and Rodrigo Tello (scorer in Leg 1), who disrupted LA’s midfield but allowed 76% possession.
- Rodrigo Tello (Sporting SM Midfielder) vs. LA Galaxy Defense: Tello’s header (37′) gave SSM the lead in Leg 1. He’ll test LA’s backline, including Maya Yoshida and Jakob Glesnes (debuted strongly), who conceded but limited SSM to 5 shots.
Recent Team Forms
- LA Galaxy: D D (1-1 away draw vs. Sporting SM in CCC Leg 1; 1-1 home draw vs. NYCFC in MLS). They’ve drawn both 2026 games, scoring 2 goals with strong possession (76% in Leg 1) but needing better finishing. New signings like João Klauss (MLS goal) and Joseph Paintsil (CCC goal) are integrating.
- Sporting San Miguelito: W D L W D (1-0 home win vs. Alianza in LPF; 0-2 loss vs. Árabe Unido in LPF; other recent league results mixed). Solid defensively in Leg 1 (limited LA to 16% shot accuracy) but struggled offensively (5 shots).
Series History
This is the second meeting between the clubs. The first leg on February 19, 2026, ended 1-1 at Estadio Universidad Latina (goals: Rodrigo Tello 37′ for SSM; Joseph Paintsil 68′ for LA). Aggregate: Tied 1-1 (LA holds away goals tiebreaker). SSM needs a win or high-scoring draw to advance; a 0-0 or 1-1 forces extra time.
Betting Trends
- LA Galaxy has drawn both 2026 games, with under 2.5 goals in each (2 goals scored total).
- Sporting SM has seen both teams score in 3 of last 5 games, but under 2.5 in recent home outings.
- Home teams in CCC second legs win ~75% when tied after Leg 1 (historical data).
- Trend: LA unbeaten at home in recent openers; Sporting SM has +1.5 handicap cover in 7 of last 8 away games.
MATCH ODDS
Sporting San Miguelito + 700
Los Angeles Galaxy – 300
Draw + 400
Over 2.5 – 120 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
